A client reports confusion and blurred vision after receiving a dose of glipizide. Which action should the nurse implement?
Perform a neurological exam.
Obtain a fingerstick blood glucose.
Administer glucagon intramuscularly.
Measure the client's vital signs.
The Correct Answer is B
Choice A reason: Performing a neurological exam is not the priority action in this situation. Confusion and blurred vision are signs of hypoglycemia, which is a low blood sugar level. Glipizide is a medication that lowers blood sugar by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin. The nurse should first confirm the blood sugar level before performing any other assessments or interventions.
Choice B reason: Obtaining a fingerstick blood glucose is the best action in this situation. This is a quick and easy way to measure the blood sugar level and determine if the client is experiencing hypoglycemia. The nurse should use a glucometer and a lancet to prick the client's finger and obtain a drop of blood. The nurse should compare the result with the normal range and follow the hypoglycemia protocol.
Choice C reason: Administering glucagon intramuscularly is not the first action in this situation. Glucagon is a hormone that raises blood sugar by stimulating the breakdown of glycogen in the liver. It is used as an emergency treatment for severe hypoglycemia, when the client is unconscious or unable to swallow. The nurse should only administer glucagon after confirming the blood sugar level and trying oral glucose first.
Choice D reason: Measuring the client's vital signs is not the priority action in this situation. Vital signs include blood pressure, pulse, respiration, and temperature. They can provide information about the client's overall health and stability, but they are not specific to hypoglycemia. The nurse should focus on the blood sugar level, which is the most relevant indicator of hypoglycemia.
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Naxlex Comprehensive Predictor Exams
Related Questions
Correct Answer is B
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not an assessment finding that warrants immediate intervention by the nurse. Blood pressure 100/78 mm Hg is within the normal range for an adult, and it does not indicate any adverse effect of phenytoin. The nurse should monitor the blood pressure for any changes, but it is not a priority.
Choice B reason: This is an assessment finding that warrants immediate intervention by the nurse. Double vision, or diplopia, is a sign of phenytoin toxicity, which can occur due to overdose, drug interactions, or impaired metabolism. Double vision can impair the client's vision, balance, and coordination, and increase the risk of falls and injuries. The nurse should stop the phenytoin infusion, if applicable, and notify the healthcare provider. The nurse should also check the serum phenytoin level and other vital signs, and prepare to administer an antidote, such as fosphenytoin, if indicated.
Choice C reason: This is not an assessment finding that warrants immediate intervention by the nurse. Puffy, bleeding gums are a common side effect of phenytoin, which can cause gingival hyperplasia, or overgrowth of the gum tissue. Puffy, bleeding gums are not life-threatening, but they can affect the client's oral hygiene and appearance. The nurse should instruct the client to brush and floss the teeth regularly, and to visit a dentist for dental care.
Choice D reason: This is not an assessment finding that warrants immediate intervention by the nurse. Chronic insomnia is not a common or serious side effect of phenytoin, which is an anticonvulsant that can have sedative effects. Chronic insomnia may be caused by other factors, such as stress, pain, or caffeine intake. The nurse should assess the client's sleep pattern and quality, and provide education and counseling on sleep hygiene and relaxation techniques.
Correct Answer is C
Explanation
Choice A reason: This is not the laboratory finding that indicates that the medication has been effective. Serum ammonia level of 30 Mcg/dL (17.62 mmol/L) is within the normal range for adults, and it does not reflect the effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is a cation-exchange resin that binds to potassium in the intestine and removes it from the body through the stool. It does not affect the ammonia levels in the blood, which are influenced by the liver function and the urea cycle. The nurse should monitor the ammonia levels for any changes, but it is not the goal of the medication.
Choice B reason: This is not the laboratory finding that indicates that the medication has been effective. Hemoglobin level of 13.5 g/dL (135 g/L) is within the normal range for females, and it does not reflect the effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not affect the hemoglobin levels in the blood, which are determined by the number and size of red blood cells and the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. The nurse should monitor the hemoglobin levels for any changes, but it is not the goal of the medication.
Choice C reason: This is the laboratory finding that indicates that the medication has been effective. Serum potassium level of 3.8 mEq/L (3.8 mmol/L) is within the normal range for adults, and it indicates that the medication has lowered the potassium levels in the blood. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate is used to treat hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, which can occur in AKI due to the impaired renal excretion of potassium. Hyperkalemia can cause cardiac arrhythmias, muscle weakness, and paralysis. The nurse should administer sodium polystyrene sulfonate as prescribed and check the serum potassium levels regularly to ensure that they are within the normal range.
Choice D reason: This is not the laboratory finding that indicates that the medication has been effective. Serum glucose level of 120 mg/dL (6.7 mmol/L) is slightly above the normal range for adults, and it does not reflect the effect of sodium polystyrene sulfonate. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate does not affect the glucose levels in the blood, which are influenced by the carbohydrate metabolism and the insulin secretion and action. The nurse should monitor the glucose levels for any changes, but it is not the goal of the medication.
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